How Often Should You Clean Your Horse’s Hooves?

Every horse owner knows that hoof care is important. But how often should you actually clean your horse’s hooves?

The Simple Answer

Pick your horse’s hooves daily. If your horse is stalled, check them at least twice a day. Pastured horses can usually get by with once daily, but more often doesn’t hurt.

Why Daily Cleaning Matters

Horses’ hooves trap dirt, rocks, and debris constantly. Left unchecked, this can lead to:

• Thrush – A bacterial infection that thrives in packed, moist hoof material
• Stone bruises – From rocks lodged against the sole
• Puncture wounds – Nails or sharp objects can go unnoticed
• Hoof wall damage – Packed debris puts uneven pressure on the hoof

Daily picking lets you catch problems early, before they become expensive vet bills.

What to Look For

While cleaning, check for:

• Black, smelly discharge (sign of thrush)
• Heat in the hoof wall
• Cracks or chips
• Loose or sprung shoes
• Any tenderness when you press on the sole

Quick Cleaning Tips

1. Start at the heel and work toward the toe
2. Clean the grooves on either side of the frog thoroughly
3. Use the pick’s brush to remove remaining debris
4. Check the frog for soft spots or unusual smell

When to Clean More Often

Increase hoof cleaning frequency when:

• Your horse lives in muddy conditions
• Stall bedding stays wet
• You’re riding on gravel or rocky terrain
• Your horse has had thrush or other hoof problems before

Bottom Line

Make hoof picking part of your daily routine. It takes less than five minutes and can prevent serious problems down the road. Your horse’s soundness depends on healthy hooves.

For more horse care basics, check out our horse care guides.